We can’t discuss establishing a successful and sustainable school safety program without identifying the person responsible for it: The School Safety Director. Indeed, putting together a school safety team should be a top priority. However, if there is not defined and competent leadership within the team, you will end up spinning many wheels and not making much progress. So, who should this person be?
Only some have the budget for a dedicated person or a person with the expertise, knowledge, and skills to be a School Safety Director. Regardless of the person designated to be responsible for the school safety program, that person is your School Safety Director and has the responsibilities and duties, among others, listed below. While you may designate whomever you wish, if they do not have the proper skills, knowledge, and experience they require to fulfill those obligations, the district is required to provide them with all of the resources they need to be successful: training, systems, policies, authority, etc. Just appointing someone and making them figure it out on their own without support and resources can prove to be disastrous and very costly for you and your district.
Remember the “3 Pillars of School Safety” we discussed: Policies, People, and Systems/Processes? The School Safety Director is the keystone for all three pillars and is responsible for erecting and maintaining them. While the school board and the superintendent can’t relieve themselves of their responsibilities, the person chosen for this program is responsible for operationalizing it. This is why this position should be carefully considered and sit at the cabinet level, answering directly to the superintendent. Below, I have listed several of the responsibilities and functions of the School Safety Director. You will likely include others, but these are meant to be a starting point to equip your schools, and should considered to be the minimum. These will provide a good foundation from which to build upon.
The School Safety Director:
A School Safety Director is a cabinet-level position that reports directly to the Superintendent, overseeing a school district's safety and security protocols. This role is critical for ensuring the protection and well-being of students, faculty, and staff by developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive safety plans and emergency procedures. The director assesses potential hazards, conducts risk evaluations, and coordinates with law enforcement and emergency responders to prepare for and address any incidents that may occur. Additionally, the School Safety Director is responsible for training school personnel in safety protocols, managing safety equipment, and maintaining compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This position requires a strong leader with excellent communication skills, a background in safety or security, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively.
Overview:
The Director of School Safety will oversee and implement all safety and security measures for the school district and be accountable for ensuring the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement comprehensive safety and security plans, emergency operations plans, and policies for the school district.
- Develop and implement school behavioral threat assessment policies, procedures, training, and assessment teams.
- Conduct risk assessments and identify potential safety hazards.
- Provide training to faculty and staff on safety and security procedures.
- Manage and maintain all safety equipment, including security cameras, alarms, and other safety technology.
- Collaborate with law enforcement and emergency response teams to develop emergency response plans.
- Coordinate with school administrators to develop procedures for handling disruptive behavior, student discipline, and crises.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all safety-related concerns and emergencies.
- Monitor and analyze safety trends and make recommendations for improvements.
- Maintain accurate records of safety incidents and responses.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Conclusion:
Safeguarding our schools requires more than just policies and procedures; it demands strong, dedicated leadership. Appointing a School Safety Director is essential for operationalizing and sustaining a successful safety program. This role not only ensures the safety and security of students and staff but also serves as the cornerstone of your district’s safety efforts. Now is the time to act. Prioritize appointing a School Safety Director who can lead your district’s safety initiatives and protect the most valuable members of our community—our children. For the sake of their safety and future, make school safety leadership a non-negotiable priority.
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